These Are Now Banned in All Hudson Valley Restaurants, Bars

Electronic cigarette use will soon be banned in Hudson Valley restaurants, bars, workplaces and more.

In October, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo signed legislation adding electronic cigarettes to the Clean Indoor Air Act, which bans their use everywhere that smoking tobacco products are prohibited across New York State.

"These products are marketed as a healthier alternative to cigarettes but the reality is they also carry long-term risks to the health of users and those around them," Cuomo said. "This measure closes another dangerous loophole in the law, creating a stronger, healthier New York for all."

According to the Governor’s office, the bill will reduce the exposure to potentially dangerous chemicals from e-cigarettes. Electronic nicotine and vapor delivery systems, which include e-cigarettes, vaping pens, e-hookah and similar devices, typically contain nicotine. Some ingredients found in e-cigarettes are considered toxic and there is no regulation of what chemicals e-cigarettes contain how much nicotine the user is inhaling.

These factors could lead to long-term adverse health effects for e-cigarette users and bystanders, officials say.

“I am pleased New York will be taking this step to protect New Yorkers from the potential harms of e-cigarettes,” Senator Kemp Hannon said. “E-cigarettes often contain toxic chemicals in addition to nicotine, something bystanders should not be forced to breathe. With recent reports showing their use among minors increasing, New York must continue to work to regulate these devices in a common sense manner."

While many counties have already banned the use of e-cigarettes in public places, this bill makes the law consistent across the state. Under current law, only smoking substances containing tobacco, including cigars, cigarettes or pipes, are restricted in public places.